The title of the fortieth Discworld novel was announced on the 8th of March and to much speculation as to whether the book would feature Discworld fans favourite banker and conman, Moist Von Lipwig. This will not be the case though as a hint at an event Sir Terry and Rob attended a few months ago stated that the next Discworld novel to hit our shelves would feature a brand spanking new character. First assumptions were referring to the steam engines and 'steampunk', these assumptions seem most likely at this time as Terry and Rob were reported to be researching the next novel in the countryside.

DreadfulKata wrote:Can we assume that this steam reference has something to do with The Undertaking, or am I wilfully projecting what I'd like the book to be about?

It's much too soon to tell. All I've heard is that it's past the second draft, which is rather early in the process. At this point it could still all go wahoonie-shaped, whole scenes and characters could be cut, etc.

It sounds like Ankh Morpork is embracing new technology and steam engines will be on the rise. Perhaps the upside will be that it will free up more Golems from running the city's infrastructure (ie. pumps). At least Adora will be happy.

This is a bit farfetched, but what if the book has images that refer to the cover picture for that album? The face divided into gold and silver, the magpie? on top, the title "Crest of a Knave" - and I think Moist von Lipwig appears in the book... hmm.